14 Stunning Leaf Fall Crafts Ideas

After sharing my post on Fall Mantle Decor Ideas with Mirror Above Fireplace, I couldn’t help but dive deeper into the world of autumn creativity.

Fall has a way of dropping inspiration at your feet, literally. Just yesterday, I was walking through my neighborhood when I found the most vibrant crimson leaf lying on the sidewalk.

It was delicate, perfectly shaped, and almost glowing in the golden light. I picked it up without thinking, and that’s when the problem hit me: I’m not great at crafts, but I had to find a way to keep this beauty from crumbling away. That’s when I started exploring leaf fall crafts that even a beginner could pull off.

One of the easiest (and most charming) leaf fall crafts I found was the classic wax paper press method. All you need are your favorite leaves, two sheets of wax paper, and an iron.

Sandwich the leaves between the sheets, cover with a cloth, and gently iron to seal the edges. This preserves the color and shape without needing special supplies.

I also discovered sun catcher mandalas, simple yet stunning art you can make by pressing leaves or flowers in clear contact paper, then framing them in embroidery hoops or old jar lids.

Hang them in a sunny window and let nature’s stained glass shine through. Another tip? If you’ve got a few hours and a frame, try creating a mosaic of pressed leaves using Mod Podge. It’s easier than it looks and makes a beautiful piece of seasonal wall art.

So whether you stumbled on a once-in-a-season leaf or just love cozy fall afternoons with a hot drink and a glue stick, there are many leaf fall crafts that make the season last a little longer.

I’ll be sharing more ideas soon, everything from fall garlands to painted leaf place cards, so stay tuned for more autumn-themed inspiration coming your way. Let the leaves fall, and let the creativity begin!

14. Pressed Leaf Mason Jar Lanterns

Illuminate cozy nights with an ambient glow using autumn leaves and glass jars.

Materials:

• Clean mason jars
• Pressed fall leaves
• Mod Podge (matte or glossy)
• Foam brush
• Twine and tea light candles

Steps:

1. Press leaves flat for 24–48 hours.
2. Apply a layer of Mod Podge to the jar’s exterior.
3. Carefully place leaves, pressing out air bubbles.
4. Seal with a second Mod Podge layer.
5. Wrap the jar neck with twine and insert a tea light.

Fall Crafts Tips:

• Use LED candles for safety.
• Mix oak, maple, and ginkgo leaves for texture.

13. Leaf Stamped Table Runners

Craft an elegant autumn tablescape using real leaves as printing blocks.

Materials:

• Cotton or linen runner
• Fabric paint
• Fresh leaves
• Roller brush or sponge

Steps:

1. Paint the back of the leaf using a roller or sponge.
2. Press onto fabric and lift carefully.
3. Repeat in varied directions for a natural effect.
4. Let dry and heat-set per paint instructions.

Fall Crafts Tips:

• Use metallic gold or copper paint for an upscale finish.
• Try layering multiple leaf types for depth.

12. Autumn Leaf Sun Catchers

Capture light through vibrant leaf colors displayed in window-hanging frames.

Materials:

• Laminating sheets or contact paper
• Fall leaves (pressed and dried)
• Scissors and string
• Hole punch

Steps:

1. Arrange leaves between laminating sheets.
2. Seal and cut into circles, ovals, or leaf shapes.
3. Punch a hole and add a string for hanging.

Fall Crafts Tips:

• Display in clusters for a stained-glass window look.
• Add labels or dates for seasonal keepsakes.

11. Leaf Garland with Felt and Real Leaves

Create a reusable garland combining felt cutouts and authentic foliage.

Materials:

• Colored felt sheets
• Real dried leaves
• Hot glue
• Twine or jute cord
• Scissors or Cricut cutter

Steps:

1. Cut felt into leaf silhouettes.
2. Alternate gluing felt and real leaves onto cord.
3. Secure with hot glue and space evenly.

Fall Crafts Tips:

• Use a mix of wool felt and preserved leaves for durability.
• Incorporate wooden beads or mini pinecones for accents.

10. Gilded Gold Leaf Centerpieces

Bring elegance to fall decor by transforming leaves with metallic finishes.

Materials:

• Real or faux leaves
• Gold/silver/copper leaf sheets
• Adhesive sizing
• Soft brush
• Glass bowl or pedestal dish

Steps:

1. Brush leaves with adhesive sizing.
2. Lay metallic leaf and smooth gently.
3. Layer in a glass bowl for centerpiece display.

Fall Crafts Tips:

• Use preserved faux leaves to maintain structure.
• Mix metals for a modern twist.

9. DIY Leaf-Embedded Resin Coasters

Preserve fall leaves in clear resin for functional home decor.

Materials:

• Silicone coaster molds
• Clear epoxy resin
• Dried, flat leaves
• Mixing cups and gloves

Steps:

1. Mix resin according to the instructions.
2. Pour half into the mold.
3. Lay leaf, then pour remaining resin.
4. Cure and demold after 24–48 hours.

Fall Crafts Tips:

• Use small, detailed leaves to prevent bubbling.
• Coat leaves with resin before placing them to reduce air pockets.

8. Leaf Bowl with Balloons and Mod Podge

Craft decorative leaf bowls using balloons as molds.

Materials:

• Balloons
• Pressed leaves
• Mod Podge
• Foam brush
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Blow up the balloon to desired bowl size.
2. Apply Mod Podge to the balloon surface.
3. Press the leaves onto glue and seal again.
4. Let dry completely before popping the balloon.

Fall Crafts Tips:

• Use wax paper under the balloon for clean edges.
• Trim edges post-drying for symmetry.

7. Framed Leaf Wall Art

Turn individual leaves into framed botanical prints for your wall.

Materials:

• Shadow boxes or float frames
• Pressed fall leaves
• Neutral backing paper
• Glue dots or archival tape

Steps:

1. Choose leaves by shape and color contrast.
2. Mount onto the backing with glue dots.
3. Insert into the frame and hang.

Fall Crafts Tips:

• Label with botanical names for educational display.
• Use black or kraft paper for a dramatic effect.

6. Leaf Mobile or Wind Chime

Hang leaves from branches or hoops for a kinetic sculpture.

Materials:

• Natural twigs or an embroidery hoop
• String or fishing line
• Leaves (real or faux)
• Beads, feathers, or acorns (optional)

Steps:

1. Tie leaves to varying lengths of string.
2. Attach to a hoop or branch evenly spaced.
3. Suspend from the ceiling or porch.

Fall Crafts Tips:

• Spray coat real leaves for longevity.
• Great as a kid-friendly STEM project on balance and symmetry.

5. Leaf-Stamped Clay Ornaments

Transfer leaf texture into air-dry clay for decorative ornaments.

Materials:

• Air-dry clay
• Freshly fallen leaves
• Rolling pin
• Straw for holes
• Twine for hanging

Steps:

1. Roll clay flat.
2. Press leaf firmly into surface.
3. Cut into circles or leaf shapes.
4. Make hanging hole with straw.
5. Dry per package instructions.

Fall Crafts Tips:

• Use mica powder or paint to highlight vein details.
• Makes excellent fall gift tags or keepsakes.

4. Layered Leaf Wreath

Design a dimensional wreath with overlapping leaves in a gradient pattern.

Materials:

• Wire or foam wreath form
• Fall leaves (real or faux)
• Hot glue gun
• Optional: Ribbon bow

Steps:

1. Begin from the outer edge, layering inward.
2. Alternate directions and colors for visual interest.
3. Fill any gaps with small filler leaves or moss.

Fall Crafts Tips:

• Preserve real leaves with glycerin beforehand.
• Spray sealant extends the life of fresh materials.

3. Fall Leaf Candle Holders

Wrap leaves around glass votives for warm autumn ambiance.

Materials:

• Cylindrical glass candle holders
• Pressed leaves
• Mod Podge
• Jute or raffia for accent

Steps:

1. Brush Mod Podge onto glass.
2. Gently adhere leaves, smoothing edges.
3. Add a final topcoat and dry.
4. Tie twine around base and insert tea light.

Fall Crafts Tips:

• Use translucent leaves for best glow.
• Avoid overlapping too much to let light pass through.

2. Fabric Leaf Pillows with Appliqué

Add cozy autumn vibes to your home with hand-sewn leaf motifs.

Materials:

• Neutral throw pillowcases
• Fabric scraps in fall colors
• Heat ‘n Bond or fabric glue
• Sewing machine or needle and thread

Steps:

1. Trace and cut out leaf shapes.
2. Fuse or glue to pillow surface.
3. Stitch around edges for durability.

Fall Crafts Tips:

• Mix textures like felt, linen, and cotton.
• Add embroidery for detail work.

1. Decoupage Leaf Pumpkins

Upgrade fall pumpkins with decoupaged leaf layers.

Materials:

• Faux or real pumpkins
• Fall leaves
• Mod Podge
• Foam brush

Steps:

1. Apply Mod Podge to pumpkin surface.
2. Layer leaves and seal with topcoat.
3. Let dry completely before displaying.

Fall Crafts Tips:

• Use small pumpkins for centerpieces.
• Gold leaf accents elevate the design.

Conclusion

By integrating these detailed and versatile fall leaf craft ideas, anyone can transform autumn’s natural beauty into lasting artwork, home decor, and personal keepsakes. Each project brings warmth, creativity, and a celebration of the season’s rich textures and colors.